Is the health of Russia’s submarine fleet improving?
The Lada-class submarine Kronstadt at Admiralty Shipyards. The Lada-class are 67m-long displacing some 2,100 tonnes dived. Crewed by just 37 personnel, Kronstadt has a capacity for 18 torpedoes, the capability to dive up to 300m and achieve a maximum speed of 21kt with an endurance of 45 days. (Photo: Admiralty Shipyards)
The Russian Federation Navy submarine service has struggled to modernise in recent years, but progress on two main acquisition programmes could mean that it has turned a corner.
On 31 January 2024, Admiralty Shipyards announced that the second Project 677 (Lada-class) diesel-electric submarine (SSK), named Kronstadt (B-586), had been commissioned for service in the Russian Federation Navy’s
(RFN’s) Northern Fleet.
Meanwhile, the fifth modified Project 955A Yuri Dolgorukiy-class (Borei A) ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), Knyaz Pozharsky (K-555), was launched at Sevmash Shipyard in early February. But does this indicate a change in fortunes for Russia’s submarines?
Kronstadt is the second Lada-class SSK to be delivered but is the first operational boat built to a modernised design. The first-of-class, Sankt Petersburg (B-585), was used as a trial platform entering service
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment]()
MASA blends the virtual and constructive in French Army artillery experiment
A recent demonstration by the French Army saw MASA’s SWORD simulation software integrated with Bohemia Interactive’s Virtual Battlespace to conduct a counter-battery scenario that showcased enhanced training capabilities via realistic visualisation and the execution of military operations.
-
![NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet]()
NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet
NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet has been scheduled for retirement from 2035. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been leading the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project to develop new options for future surveillance and control capabilities, based on future technology and requirements.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
![All F-35 orders will include LED-based flight simulator, says Lockheed]()
All F-35 orders will include LED-based flight simulator, says Lockheed
Featuring advanced visual display technology and reduced lifecycle costs, Lockheed Martin's AMAZE simulators have promised to make training more affordable for both F-35 jets and other fixed-wing platforms in the future.
-
![US Coast Guard plans a $1.1 billion investment in shipbuilding in FY2025]()
US Coast Guard plans a $1.1 billion investment in shipbuilding in FY2025
The service has requested funds to procure and build new vessels, as well as modernise its current fleet.
-
![What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?]()
What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?
The Hellenic Navy has been in the process of replacing its nine remaining Elli-class (Kortaener/S-type) frigates with two new acquisition programmes for frigates and corvettes. The US offer of second-hand US Navy (USN) Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as potential corvette replacement, however, has given the Greek government pause for thought.
